Connector for flexible printed circuit boards, head actuator provided with the same, and disk drive

ABSTRACT

A head actuator has two of arms that extend from a bearing assembly, and a relay FPC is fixed to each arm. The relay FPC extends from a head to the proximal end portion of the arm. The relay FPC includes a connecting portion located on the proximal end portion of the corresponding arm and has a first contact each. The connecting portions are opposed to each other across a space and form a female connector. A male connector attached to a main FPC has a projection detachably fitted in the female connector and second contacts provided on the projection and connected to the main FPC. As the projection of the male connector is fitted between the connecting portions of the female connector, the first and second contacts are pressed against each other, whereupon the relay FPC and the main FPC are connected electrically to each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priorityfrom the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-027247, filed Feb.2, 2001, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a connector for connectingflexible printed circuit boards, a head actuator provided with theconnector, and a disk drive.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] In general, a disk drive such as a hard disk drive (hereinafterreferred to as HDD) comprises magnetic disks housed in a casing, aspindle motor for supporting and rotating the magnetic disks, a headactuator supporting magnetic heads, a voice coil motor for driving thehead actuator, a substrate unit, etc.

[0006] The head actuator includes a bearing portion attached to thecasing and a plurality of arms extending from the bearing portion. Amagnetic head is mounted on each arm by means of a suspension. Thesubstrate unit includes a main flexible printed circuit board(hereinafter referred to as main FPC), the distal end portion of whichextends close to the bearing portion. Each magnetic head is connected toone end of a relay flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter referredto as relay FPC) on each arm, and the other end portion of the relay FPCis connected to the main FPC. Thus, each magnetic head is connectedelectrically to the substrate unit through the relay and main FPC's andcontrolled by means of the substrate unit.

[0007] In the case where the printed circuit boards are connectedelectrically to each other in this manner, each printed circuit board isprovided with connecting pads, a pre-tinning layer is formed on eachconnecting pad, and the pads are opposed to one another. In this state,the pre-tinning layer is heated from the base-layer side of one of theprinted circuit boards. By doing this, the pre-tinning layer is meltedto connect the pads electrically and mechanically.

[0008] Possibly, the relay and main FPC's may be connected by contactbonding. In the magnetic disk drive, however, the connected portionbetween the relay and main FPC's moves as the head actuator rocks, andis subjected to vibration and shock. Accordingly, soldering is widelyused to improve the reliability of connection.

[0009] In conventional assembly processes for a magnetic disk drive,soldering the FDC's is carried out in a clean room. However, thesoldering operation includes a process for melting solder by means of asoldering iron. In this process, outgassing from a flux or the like inthe solder may generate, possibly contaminating the atmosphere in theclean room and exerting a bad influence upon other components.

[0010] Further, soldering the relay and main FPC's involves operationfor soldering very fine connecting pads, so that the reliability of thesoldering is easily influenced by workmanship.

[0011] Furthermore, repairing the head actuator requires resolderingafter the solder on the connecting portions is removed. Thus, repairsare troublesome and their achievement level easily lowers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention has been contrived in consideration ofthese circumstances, and its object is to provide a connector forflexible printed circuit boards, capable of easily securely connectingflexible printed circuit boards, a head actuator provided with the same,and a disk drive.

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, a connector for flexibleprinted circuit boards according to an aspect of the invention is aconnector for electrically connecting a pair of first flexible printedcircuit boards, fixed individually on the respective surfaces of twoarms spaced and opposed to each other and each extending from a distalend portion of each arm to a proximal end portion thereof, and a secondflexible printed circuit board extending from any other portion than thearms toward the proximal end portions. The connector comprises: a femaleconnector formed of the first flexible printed circuit boards; and amale connector provided at the second flexible printed circuit board.The female connector includes a pair of connecting portions formed onrespective proximal-side end portions of the first flexible printedcircuit boards and opposed to each other across a given space, each ofthe connecting portions having a first contact formed by exposing a partof a conductor pattern of the first flexible printed circuit board. Themale connector includes a projection configured to be fitted between theconnecting portions of the female connector, and second contactsprovided on the projection and connected to a conductor pattern of thesecond flexible printed circuit board, the second contacts beingarranged so as to contact with the first contacts when the projection isfitted between the connecting portions.

[0014] A head actuator according to another aspect of the inventioncomprises: a bearing portion; two arms each having a proximal endportion attached to the bearing portion, and a distal end portionsupporting a head, extending from the bearing portion, the arms beingopposed to each other across a given space; first flexible printedcircuit boards fixed individually on the respective arms, connectedelectrically to the respective heads, and extending from the heads tothe proximal end portions of the arms; a second flexible printed circuitboard connected to the first flexible printed circuit boards; and a maleconnector attached to the second flexible printed circuit board,

[0015] each of the first flexible printed circuit boards including aconnecting portion provided at the proximal end portion of the arm andhaving a first contact formed by exposing a pair of a conductor patternof the first flexible printed circuit board,

[0016] the respective connecting portions on the two arms being opposedto each other across a given space to constitute a female connector,

[0017] the male connector including a projection configured to be fittedbetween the connecting portions of the female connector and secondcontacts provided on the projection and connected to a conductor patternof the second flexible printed circuit board, the second contacts beingarranged so as to contact with the respective first contacts when theprojection is fitted between the connecting portions.

[0018] A disk drive according to still another aspect of the inventioncomprises a disk; a head configured to write and read in and retrievinginformation from the disk; a head actuator supporting the head formovement with respect to the disk; a substrate unit configured to inputand output signals with respect to the head; a main flexible printedcircuit board extending from the substrate unit and connected to thehead actuator; and a male connector attached to the main flexibleprinted circuit board,

[0019] the head actuator including a bearing portion; two arms eachhaving a proximal end portion attached to the bearing portion, and adistal end portion supporting the head, extending from the bearingportion, the arms being opposed to each other across a given space; andrelay flexible printed circuit boards fixed individually on therespective arms, connected electrically to the respective heads, andextending from the heads to the proximal end portions of the arms;

[0020] each of the relay flexible printed circuit boards including aconnecting portion provided at the proximal end portion of the arm andhaving a first contact formed by exposing a part of a conductor patternof the relay flexible printed circuit board, the connecting portionsbeing opposed to each other across a given space to constitute a femaleconnector,

[0021] the male connector including a projection configured to be fittedbetween the connecting portions of the female connector and secondcontacts provided on the projection and connected to a conductor patternof the main flexible printed circuit board, the second contacts beingarranged so as to contact with the respective first contacts when theprojection is fitted between the connecting portions.

[0022] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be setforth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of theinvention, and together with the general description given above and thedetailed description of the embodiment given below, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

[0024]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the interior of an HDDaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a head actuator attachedto the HDD;

[0026]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the head actuator;

[0027]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a male connector for the headactuator;

[0028]FIG. 5A is a sectional view of the male connector taken along lineVA-VA in FIG. 4;

[0029]FIG. 5B is a sectional view of the male connector taken along lineVB-VB in FIG. 4;

[0030]FIG. 5C is a sectional view of the male connector;

[0031]FIGS. 6A and 6B are sectional views schematically showing aprocess for connecting female connectors of the head actuator and themale connector;

[0032]FIG. 7 is a sectional view schematically showing the femaleconnectors of the head actuator and the male connector connected to oneanother;

[0033]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a head actuator ofan HDD according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0034]FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a male connector for the headactuator of the HDD according to the second embodiment; and

[0035]FIGS. 10A and 10B are sectional views schematically showing aprocess for connecting female connectors of the head actuator and themale connector of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] An HDD as a disk drive according to an embodiment of the presentinvention will now be described in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the HDD comprises a casing 10 in the form ofan open-topped rectangular box and a top cover (not shown) that is fixedto the casing by means of screws and covers the top opening of thecasing.

[0038] The casing 10 is stored with two magnetic disks 12 a and 12 b foruse as magnetic recording media, a spindle motor 13 for supporting androtating the magnetic disks, magnetic heads for writing in and readinginformation from the magnetic disks, a head actuator 14 that support themagnetic heads for movement with respect to the magnetic disks 12 a and12 b. The casing 10 is further stored with a VCM 16 for rocking andpositioning the head actuator, a ramp load mechanism 18 that holds themagnetic heads in positions distant from the magnetic disks when themagnetic heads are moved to the outermost periphery of the magneticdisks, an inertia latch mechanism 20 for holding the head actuator in arefuge position, and a flexible printed circuit board unit (hereinafterreferred to as FPC unit) 17 mounted with circuit components such as apreamplifier.

[0039] Further, a printed circuit board (not shown) for controlling therespective operations of the spindle motor 13, VCM 16, and magneticheads by means of the FPC unit 17 is screwed to the outer surface of thecasing 10 and opposed to the bottom wall of the casing.

[0040] Each of the magnetic disks 12 a and 12 b has a diameter of, forexample, 65 mm (2.5 inches), and includes magnetic recording layersformed individually on its upper and lower surfaces. The two magneticdisks 12 a and 12 b are coaxially fitted on a hub (not shown) of thospindle motor 13, clamped by a clamp spring 21, and stacked in layers ata given space in the axial direction of the hub. The magnetic disks 12 aand 12 b are rotated at a given speed by means of the spindle motor 13.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the head actuator 14 is provided with abearing assembly 24 that is fixed on the bottom wall of the casing 10.The bearing assembly 24, which serves as a bearing portion, includes apivot 23 set up on the bottom wall of the casing 10 and a cylindricalhub 26 that is rotatably supported on the pivot by means of a pair ofbearings. An annular flange 29 is formed on the upper end of the hub 26,and a thread portion (not shown) around the lower end portion of thehub.

[0042] Further, the head actuator 14 includes four arms 27 a, 27 b, 27 cand 27 d and two spacer rings 28 a and 28 b, which are mounted on thehub 26, and four magnetic head assemblies 30 supported on the arms,individually.

[0043] Each of the arms 27 a to 27 b is a thin flat sheet of a stainlesssteel based material, such as SUS304, having a thickness of about 250μm. A circular aperture 31 is formed in one end or proximal end of eacharm.

[0044] Each magnetic head assembly 30 includes an elongate suspension 32and a magnetic head 33 fixed to the suspension. The suspension 32 isformed of a plate spring with a thickness of 60 to 70 μm, and itsproximal end is fixed to the distal end of each corresponding one of thearms 27 a to 27 d by spor welding or adhesive bonding and extends fromthe arm.

[0045] Each magnetic head 33 includes a substantially rectangular slider(not shown) and a writing/reading MR (magnetic reluctance) head formedon the slider, and is fixed to a gimbals portion that is formed on thedistal end portion of the suspension 32. Further, each magnetic head 33has four electrodes (not shown). The suspension 32 may be formed of thesame material as and integrally with the arm. Each suspension 32 and itscorresponding arm constitute a arm according to the present invention.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each magnetic head 33 of the headactuator 14 is connected electrically to a main FPC 42 (mentioned later)through a relay FPC 62. The relay FPC 62, which serves as a firstflexible printed circuit board, is fixedly stuck on the respectivesurfaces of each arm and each suspension 32 of the head actuator 14, andextends from the distal end of the suspension to the proximal end of thearm.

[0047] The relay FPC 62 is in the form of an elongate belt as a whole,the distal end of which is connected electrically to the magnetic head33, and the proximal end portion of which constitutes a connectingportion 64. The relay FPC 62 includes a base layer of an insulatingmaterial such as polyimide, a conductor pattern of a copper foil on thebase layer, and a solder resist layer formed over the whole conductorpattern on the base layer except pad portions.

[0048] The electrodes of the magnetic head 33 are soldered to the padportions (not shown) on the distal end portion of the relay FFC 62.Further, the connecting portion 64 of the relay FPC 62 includes aplurality of first contacts 65 that are formed by exposing pairs of theconductor pattern, and is located adjacent to a side edge of the arm atthe proximal end portion of the arm. Each connecting portion 64 includessix elongate first contacts 65, which extend in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the arm orto the side edge of the arm, and are arranged at given spaces in thelongitudinal direction of the arm.

[0049] The four arms 27 a, 27 b, 27 c and 27 d, thus fitted with themagnetic head assembly 30 and the relay FPC 62 each, are stacked on theflange 29 and mounted on the hub 26 in a manner such that the hub ispassed through their respective apertures 31. Further, the spacer rings28 a and 28 b are fitted on the hub 26 in a manner such that they aresandwiched between the arms 27 a and 27 b and between the arms 27 c and27 d, respectively.

[0050] The four arms 27 a to 27 d and the two spacer rings 28 a and 28 bthat are fitted on the hub 26 are interposed between the flange 29 and anut (not shown) that is screwed on the thread portion of the hub 26, andare fixedly held on the hub 26. Thus, the four arms 27 a to 27 d extendparallel to one another in the same direction from the hub 26 with givenspaces between them.

[0051] The magnetic hand assemblies 30 and the magnetic heads 33 thatare mounted on the arms 27 a and 27 b are opposed to one another.Likewise, the magnetic head assemblies 30 and the magnetic heads 33 thatare mounted on the arms 27 c and 27 d are opposed to one another. Thearms 27 a to 27 d and the magnetic head assemblies 30 fixed thereon canrock integrally with the hub 26.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, moreover, the respective connectingportions 64 of the relay FPC's 62 that are attached individually to thearms 27 a and 27 b are opposed to each other at the respective proximalend portions of the arms with a given space between them, and constitutea female connector 66 for the connection of the main FPC (mentionedlater). Likewise, the respective connecting portions 64 of the relayFPC's 62 that are attached individually to the arms 27 c and 27 d areopposed to each other at the respective proximal end portions of thearms with a given space between them, and constitute another femaleconnector 66 for the connection of the main FPC.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the spacer rings 28 a and 28 b has anextending portion 21 that extends toward a side edge of the proximal endportion of its corresponding arm and close to the connecting portion 64of the relay FPC 62. The extending portion 21 is formed having a pair ofabutting portions 25 that project to the side edge of the arm. Theseabutting portions 25 are spaced in the extending direction of the armand situated individually on the opposite sides of the connectingportion 64. When the arms 27 a to 27 d and the spacer rings 28 a and 28b are mounted on the hub 26 of the bearing assembly 24, therefore, theextending portion 21 and the abutting portions 25 of each spacer ringare situated surrounding the whole periphery of each corresponding twoadjacent or opposite connecting portions 64 except the side edge portionof the arm. A tapped hole 25 a for a male connector 44 (mentioned later)is formed in one of the abutting portions 25 of each of the spacer rings28 a and 28 b.

[0054] The spacer ring 28 b has a support frame 34 that extends in thedirection opposite from the extending direction of the arms 27 a to 27d, and is integrally formed of a synthetic resin or the like. A voicecoil 36 that constitutes a part of the VCM 16 is embedded in the frame34. Two pin-shaped third contacts 35 protrude from the frame 34 and aresituated side by side with the female connectors 66. The third contacts35 are connected electrically to the voice coil 36 by means of wires(not shown) that are embedded in the support frame 34.

[0055] When the head actuator 14 constructed in this manner is set inthe casing 10, as seen from FIG. 1, the magnetic disk 12 a is situatedbetween the arms 27 a and 27 b, while the disk 12 b is situated betweenthe arms 27 c and 27 d.

[0056] When the HDD is actuated, the magnetic heads 33 that are attachedto the arms 27 a and 27 b are opposed individually to the upper andlower surfaces of the magnetic disk 12 a, and hold the disk 12 a fromboth sides. Likewise, the magnetic heads 33 that are attached to thearms 27 c and 27 d are opposed individually to the upper and lowersurfaces of the magnetic disk 12 b, and hold the disk 12 from bothsides.

[0057] When the head actuator 14 is set in the casing 10, moreover, thevoice coil 36 that is fixed to the support frame 34 is situated betweena pair of yokes 38 that are fixed on the casing 10. The yokes 38 and amagnet (not shown) that is fixed to one of the yokes constitute the VCM16. When the voice coil 36 is energized, the head actuator 14 rocks,whereupon the magnetic heads 33 are moved to and positioned on desiredtracks of the magnetic disks 12 a and 12 b.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the FPC unit 17 has a rectangular boardbody 40 that is fixed on the bottom wall of the casing 10, and aplurality of electronic components, connectors, etc. are mounted on theboard body. Further, the FPC unit 17 includes the belt-shaped mainflexible printed circuit board (referred to as main FPC) 42 thatelectrically connects the board body 40 and the head actuator 14. Themain FPC 42, which serves as a second flexible printed circuit board,extends from the board body 40. A male connector 44 for electricallyconnecting the main FPC 42 and the head actuator 14 is stuck on the rearsurface of the extending end portion of the main FPC 42. The main FPC 42is formed integrally with the board body 40.

[0059] The main FPC 42 includes a base film of an insulating materialsuch as polyimide, a conductor pattern that is formed by patterning acopper foil formed on the base film, and a solder resist layer formed ofan insulating material that covers the whole area of the conductorpattern and the base film except pad portions of the conductor patternthat are situated on the extending end portion the main FPC.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the conductor pattern of the main FPC42 includes a number of conducting wires 45 that extend parallel to oneanother in the axial direction of the FPC. Further, the extending endportion of the main FPC 42 is formed having four connecting pad groups46 corresponding to the magnetic heads 33 in number and two pad portions47 that are to be connected to the voice coil 36. The pad groups 46 andthe pad portions 47 connected to the board body 40 by means of theconducting wires 45, individually. Each connecting pad group 46 includessix connecting pads corresponding to the electrodes of the magnetic head33 and the poles of a head IC in number. The connecting pads are spacedand arranged side by side in a straight line in the axial direction ofthe main FPC 42. Further, the extending end portion of the main FPC 42is formed having a through hole 48, which is used in screwing the distalend portion of the FPC to the bearing assembly 24 of the head actuator14.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5C, the male connector 44 that is attachedto the extending end portion of the main FPC 42 includes a base 50 inthe form of a rectangular plate and a pair of rectangular projections 52that protrude from one surface of the base at right angles to it. Themale connector 44 is integrally formed of an insulating material such asa synthetic resin. The base 50 has a thickness of about 0.5 mm, and isformed of a synthetic resin that contains glass in order to maintain itsstrength. The extending end portion of the main FPC 42 is stuck on theother surface of the base 50.

[0062] The paired projections 52 are formed having a size and shape suchthat they can be fitted individually into the female connectors 66 ofthe head actuator 14. They are arranged parallel to each other with agiven space between them, and extend in the longitudinal direction ofthe main FPC 42. Each projection 52 has a pair of connecting surfaces 54that extend perpendicularly from the base 50 in the longitudinaldirection of the main FPC 42. The connecting surfaces 54 are opposed toeach other across a given space. Each connecting surface 54 is formedhaving six engaging grooves 55 that extend at right angles to the base50 and are arranged at given spaces in the longitudinal direction of themain FPC 42.

[0063] Each engaging groove 55 is fitted with a second contact 56 in theform of an elongate rod for electrical connection with the relay FPC 62of the head actuator 14. The second contacts 56 extend along the grooves55 and slightly project from their corresponding connecting surfaces 54.Further, the second contacts 56 penetrate the base 50 and the main FPC42 and project from the main FPC, and are soldered individually to theircorresponding pad portions of the pad groups 46 of the main FPC. Thus,the second contacts 56, twelve in total number, on each projection 52are connected electrically to the conductor pattern of the main FPC 42.

[0064] Furthermore, the male connector 44 is provided with fourthcontacts 60 for current supply to the voice coil 36 and hybridized. Morespecifically, a pair of through holes 58 are formed in the base 50, andthe fourth contacts 60 are arranged individually in the through holes soas to extend along their respective inner peripheral surfaces. Thefourth contacts 60 penetrate the main FPC 42 and project from it, andare soldered individually to their corresponding pad portions 47 of themain FPC. Thus, the two fourth contacts 60 are connected electrically tothe conductor pattern of the main FPC 42.

[0065] The base 50 of the male connector 44 is formed having a throughhole 61 through which the male connector, along with the main FPC 42, isscrewed to the head actuator 14. The through hole 61 is aligned with thethrough hole 48 of the main FPC.

[0066] In connecting the main FPC 42, fitted with the male connector 44constructed in this manner, to the head actuator 14, the projections 52are fitted into their corresponding female connectors 66, as shown inFIGS. 3, 6A, 6B and 7. The abutting portions 25 on the spacer rings 28 aand 20 b serve as guides for the insertion of the projections 52.Thereupon, each projection 52 is fitted in a manner such that it issituated in a predetermined position with respect to its correspondingfemale connector 66 or that it is positioned in the longitudinaldirection of the arms by means of each pair of abutting portions 25.Thus, the second contacts 56 on each projection 52 are pressed againstthe opposite first contacts 65 of the female connector 66 to makeelectrical conduction, whereupon the relay FPC 62 and the main FPC 42are connected electrically to each other.

[0067] As the male connector 44 is connected to the female connectors 66of the head actuator 14, moreover, the two third contacts 35 thatprotrude from the support frame 34 are inserted and fitted into theircorresponding through holes 50 of the male connector. Thus, the thirdcontacts 35 are pressed against their corresponding fourth contacts 60in the holes 58 to make electrical conduction, whereupon the voice coil36 and the main FPC 42 are connected electrically to each other.

[0068] After the male connector 44 is connected to the head actuator 14,a screw 70 is driven into the tapped hole 25 a in the one abuttingportion 25 of the spacer ring 28 b through the through hole 48 of themain FPC 42 and the through hole 61 of the male connector, whereby themale connector 44 is screwed to the bearing assembly 24. Thereupon,connecting the main FPC 42 to the head actuator 14 is finished.

[0069] According to the HDD constructed in this manner, the relay FPC 62and the main FPC 42 can be connected electrically to each other by onlyinserting and fitting the projections 52 of the male connector 44 thatis attached to the main FPC 42 into the spaces between the connectingportions 64 of the female connectors 66 that are attached to the headactuator 14. Thus, connecting these FPC's requires no soldering, andtherefore, never contaminates the atmosphere in a clean room. Further,no veteran skill is needed, and variation in workmanship can be lowered.In consequence, the assembly time can be shortened to improve themanufacturing efficiency and lower the manufacturing cost, and thereliability of connection can be improved.

[0070] Since the female connectors 66 are constructed by opposing theconnecting portions 64 of the relay FPC's 62 that are attachedindividually to the arms, moreover, they can be automatically formed byattaching the arms to the bearing assembly 24. Since the abuttingportions 25 of the spacer rings 28 a and 28 b can double as therespective housings of the female connectors 66, furthermore, nodedicated housings for the connectors are needed, so that theconstruction can be simplified.

[0071] The first and second contacts 65 and 56 can be accuratelyconnected to one another by positioning the male connector 44 withrespect to the female connectors 66 by means of the abutting portions 25of the spacer rings 28 a and 28 b. Thus, the pitches of the contacts canbe narrowed, so that the connectors can be miniaturized. Further,screwing can improve the reliability of prevention of disengagement thatis attributable to vibration, shock, and rotation of the head actuator.

[0072] Furthermore, the female connectors 66 are provided on therespective proximal end portions of the arms for rocking motion, and themale connector 44 is connected to the female connectors. Therefore, thecenter of gravity of the connectors can be situated close to the centerof rotation of the head actuator 14, so that the moment of inertia canbe lowered, and the accessing speed can be improved.

[0073] According to the embodiment described above, the male connector44 is provided with the fourth contacts 60 for the connection betweenthe voice coil 36 and the main FPC 42. Therefore, male connector 44 canbe hybridized, and the relay FPC's 62 and the voice coil 36 can beconnected to the main FPC 42 by means of only one connector. Thus, themain FPC 42 can be connected to the head actuator 14 entirely byconnector-connection, so that the connecting operation can be madeeasier.

[0074] The following is a description of a head actuator 14 of an HDDaccording to a second embodiment of the invention and its structure forconnection. Like reference numerals are used to designate like portionsof the first and second embodiments, and a detailed description of thoseportions is omitted. Thus, only differences between the two embodimentswill be described in detail below.

[0075] According to the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, asupport frame 34 of the head actuator 14 is provided with a flexibleprinted circuit board for connection (hereinafter referred to asconnecting FPC) 72 that is connected electrically to a voice coil 36.The connecting FPC 72 extends close to female connectors 66. Aconnecting portion having a third contact 35 is formed by exposing padportions of a conductor pattern.

[0076] A male connector 44 has a pair of engaging projections 74 thatprotrude perpendicularly from a base 50 and are opposed to each otheracross a given space. A fourth contact 60 is fixed to the inner surfaceof each engaging projection 74. Each fourth contact 60 penetrates thebase 50 and a main FPC 42 and projects from the main FPC. It is solderedto its corresponding pad portion of the main FPC. Thus, the two fourthcontacts 60 are connected electrically to the conductor pattern of themain FPC 42.

[0077] When the male connector 44 constructed in this manner isconnected to the female connectors 66 of the head actuator 14, a sideedge portion of the support frame 34 of the support frame 34 on whichthe third contact 35 is provided is fitted in a fitting recess that isdefined between the engaging projections 74. Thus, the fourth contacts60 on the respective inner surfaces of the projections 74 are pressedagainst the third contact 35 on the support frame 34 to make electricalconduction, whereupon the voice coil 36 and the main FPC 42 areconnected electrically to each other.

[0078] The second embodiment arranged in this manner can enjoy the samefunctions and effects of the foregoing embodiment. If the male connector44 is hybridized according to the second embodiment, moreover, it isnecessary only that the contacts be redirected, so that the cost of theconnectors can be lowered.

[0079] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broaderaspects is not limited to the specific details and representativeembodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, variousmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

[0080] According to the foregoing embodiments, for example, the arms arefour in number. However, the number of the arms according to theinvention is expected only be an even number, and may be two or six ormore.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector for electrically connecting a pair offirst flexible printed circuit boards, fixed individually on therespective surfaces of two arms spaced and opposed to each other andeach extending from a distal end portion of each arm to a proximal endportion thereof, and a second flexible printed circuit board extendingfrom any other portion than the arms toward the proximal end portions,the connector comprising: a female connector formed of the firstflexible printed circuit boards; and a male connector provided at thesecond flexible printed circuit board, the female connector including apair of connecting portions formed on respective proximal-side endportions of the first flexible printed circuit boards and opposed toeach other across a given space, each of the connecting portions havinga first contact formed by exposing a part of a conductor pattern of thefirst flexible printed circuit board, the male connector including aprojection configured to be fitted between the connecting portions ofthe female connector, and second contacts provided on the projection andconnected to a conductor pattern of the second flexible printed circuitboard, the second contacts being arranged so as to contact with thefirst contacts when the projection is fitted between the connectingportions.
 2. A connector according to claim 1, wherein the maleconnector comprises a base in the formed of a plate of an insulatingmaterial having first and second surfaces opposite to each other, theextending end portion of the second flexible printed circuit board isfixed on the first surface of the base, the projection protrudes fromthe second surface of the base and has a pair of connecting surfacesopposed individually to the connecting portions of the female connector,and the second contact is provided on each connecting surface of theprojection and connected to the conductor pattern of the second flexibleprinted circuit board through the base.
 3. A connector according toclaim 1, wherein each of the connecting portions of the female connectorhas a plurality of the first contacts extending across the extendingdirection of the arms and arranged at given spaces in the extendingdirection of the arms, the projection has a pair of connecting surfacesopposed individually to the connecting portions of the female connector,and the second contacts are provided individually on the connectingsurfaces of the projection, corresponding to the first contacts.
 4. Ahead actuator comprising: a bearing portion; two arms each having aproximal end portion attached to the bearing portion, and a distal endportion supporting a head, extending from the bearing portion, the armsbeinig opposed to each other across a given space; first flexibleprinted circuit boards fixed individually on the respective arms,connected electrically to the respective heads, and extending from theheads to the proximal end portions of the arms; a second flexibleprinted circuit board connected to the first flexible printed circuitboards; and a male connector attached to the second flexible printedcircuit board, each of the first flexible printed circuit boardsincluding a connecting portion provided at the proximal end portion ofthe arm and having a first contact formed by exposing a part of aconductor pattern of the first flexible printed circuit board, therespective connecting portions on the two arms being opposed to eachother across a given space to constitute a female connector, the maleconnector including a projection configured to be fitted between theconnecting portions of the female connector and second contacts providedon the projection and connected to a conductor pattern of the secondflexible printed circuit board, the second contacts being arranged so asto contact with the respective first contacts when the projection isfitted between the connecting portions.
 5. A head actuator according toclaim 4, wherein the male connector comprises a base in the formed of aplate of an insulating material having first and second surfacesopposite to each other, the extending end portion of the second flexibleprinted circuit board is fixed on the first surface of the base, theprojection protrudes from the second surface of the base and has a pairof connecting surfaces opposed individually to the connecting portionsof the female connector, and the second contact is provided on eachconnecting surface of the projection and connected to the conductorpattern of the second flexible printed circuit board through the base.6. A head actuator according to claim 4, wherein each of the connectingportions of the female connector has a plurality of the first contactsextending across the extending direction of the arms and arranged atgiven spaces in the extending direction of the arms, the projection hasa pair of connecting surfaces opposed individually to the connectingportions of the female connector, and the second contacts are providedindividually on the connecting surfaces of the projection, correspondingto the first contacts.
 7. A head actuator according to claim 4, whereinthe base is screwed to the bearing portion.
 8. A head actuator accordingto claim 4, wherein the bearing portion includes a spacer held betweenthe two arms, the spacer having an abutting portion configured to abutagainst the projection fitted in the female connector and to positionthe projection in the extending direction of the arms with respect tothe female connector.
 9. A head actuator according to claim 4, whichfurther comprises a support frame extending from the bearing portion andmounted with a driving coil for rocking motion, and a third contactprovided on the support frame and connected electrically to the coil,and wherein the male connector comprises a fourth contact connected tothe conductor pattern of the second flexible printed circuit board andpressed against the third contact to connect the second flexible printedcircuit board and the coil electrically to each other.
 10. A headactuator according to claim 9, wherein the third contact is in the formof a pin protruding outward from the support frame, and the maleconnector has a hole in which the fourth contact is located and thethird contact is fitted.
 11. A head actuator according to claim 9,wherein the support frame has a second connecting portion, which furthercomprises a third flexible printed circuit board connected electricallyto the driving coil and extending to the second connecting portion ofthe support frame, and wherein the third contact is formed by exposing apart of the conductor pattern of the third flexible printed circuitboard, and the male connector has a fitting recess in which the fourthcontact is located and the second connecting portion of the supportframe is fitted.
 12. A disk drive comprising: a disk; a head configuredto write and read in and retrieving information from the disk; a headactuator supporting the head for movement with respect to the disk; asubstrate unit configured to input and output signals with respect tothe head; a main flexible printed circuit board extending from thesubstrate unit and connected to the head actuator; and a male connectorattached to the main flexible printed circuit board, the head actuatorincluding a bearing portion; two arms each having a proximal end portionattached to the bearing portion, and a distal end portion supporting thehead, extending from the bearing portion, the arms being opposed to eachother across a given space; and relay flexible printed circuit boardsfixed individually on the respective arms, connected electrically to therespective heads, and extending from the heads to the proximal endportions of the arms; each of the relay flexible printed circuit boardsincluding a connecting portion provided at the proximal end portion ofthe arm and having a first contact formed by exposing a part of aconductor pattern of the relay flexible printed circuit board, theconnecting portions being opposed to each other across a given space toconstitute a female connector, the male connector including a projectionconfigured to be fitted between the connecting portions of the femaleconnector and second contacts provided on the projection and connectedto a conductor pattern of the main flexible printed circuit board, thesecond contacts being arranged so as to contact with the respectivefirst contacts when the projection is fitted between the connectingportions.
 13. A disk drive according to claim 12, wherein the maleconnector comprises a base in the formed of a plate of an insulatingmaterial having first and second surfaces opposite to each other, theextending end portion of the main flexible printed circuit board isfixed on the first surface of the base, the projection protrudes fromthe second surface of the base and has a pair of connecting surfacesopposed individually to the connecting portions of the female connector,and the second contact is provided on each connecting surface of theprojection and connected to the conductor pattern of the main flexibleprinted circuit board through the base.
 14. A disk drive according toclaim 13, wherein each of the connecting portions of the femaleconnector has a plurality of the first contacts extending across theextending direction of the arms and arranged at given spaces in theextending direction of the arms, the projection has a pair of connectingsurfaces opposed individually to the connecting portions of the femaleconnector, and the second contacts are provided individually on theconnecting surfaces of the projection, corresponding to the firstcontacts.
 15. A disk drive according to claim 12, which furthercomprises a support frame extending from the bearing portion and mountedwith a driving coil for rocking motion, and a third contact provided onthe support frame and connected electrically to the coil, and whereinthe male connector comprises a fourth contact connected to the conductorpattern of the main flexible printed circuit board and pressed againstthe third contact to connect the main flexible printed circuit board andthe coil electrically to each other.
 16. A disk drive according to claim15, wherein the third contact is in the form of a pin protruding outwardfrom the support frame, and the male connector has a hole in which thefourth contact is located and the third contact is fitted.
 17. A diskdrive according to claim 15, wherein the support frame has a secondconnecting portion, which further comprises a third flexible printedcircuit board connected electrically to the driving coil and extendingto the second connecting portion of the support frame, and wherein thethird contact is formed by exposing a part of the conductor pattern ofthe third flexible printed circuit board, and the male connector has afitting recess in which the fourth contact is located and the secondconnecting portion of the support frame is fitted.